“Reuse is one of the most powerful and immediate ways Australians can reduce their environmental impact while supporting people in need.”

Omer Soker CEO, Charitable Reuse Australia

Impact

Charitable Reuse Australia is driving positive change across the country by championing the power of reuse. Every donation, every purchase, and every act of support helps keep quality goods in use and out of landfill. The impact is bigger than you might think.

Together with our members, we’re helping to reuse an estimated 390 million items every year, saving 190,000 tonnes from landfill, 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, and 60,000 megalitres of water. But it doesn’t stop there.

Reuse is also creating over 6,000 paid jobs and 12,000 volunteer roles, funding 180 million dollars in social and environmental programs, and generating around 2 billion dollars in community savings.

With over 3,000 charity and social enterprise stores across the country, the reuse sector is a powerful force for good. By choosing to donate and shop at these stores, Australians are helping to build a more sustainable, more compassionate, and more circular future.

 The more we reuse, the less we waste.

  • 390M items reused every year

  • 1.4M tonnes of CO2 saved

  • 6,000+ jobs created through reuse

Charitable Reuse Australia in a snapshot:

Charitable Reuse Australia – Championing the circular economy for a sustainable environment and an equitable society

Who we are:
Charitable Reuse Australia is the collective network of charitable, purpose-driven reuse and recycling enterprises. Our members are the 3,000+ op shops in communities across the country. Together, we power a movement that is good for people, planet and purpose by keeping goods in use and out of landfill, creating local jobs, and funding programs that support those who need it most.

Our vision:
An Australia that champions the circular economy, sends zero waste to landfill, and in doing so, creates a better future for all Australians.

What we do:
We drive and support the collective network of 3,000+ charity and social enterprise retailers as leaders in reuse, recycling and circularity. We advocate for policies that prioritise reuse, support members with tools and insights, measure impact, and share the story of reuse with evidence and clarity.

What makes us unique:

1. We are purpose-driven
The circular economy is not just about avoiding landfill or cutting costs. Reuse enables charitable enterprises to raise funds that support vulnerable communities, delivering social and environmental good in one.

2. We are Australia’s biggest reuse network
Charitable Reuse Australia represents the national collective of 3,000+ charity and social enterprise retailers, a trusted and cost-effective platform for governments and circular economy partners to connect with.

3. We join the dots for collaboration
A sustainable environment and an equitable society go hand in hand. We bring together communities, governments, charities and environmentally focused organisations to drive the circular economy forward.

4. We have 140+ years of circular experience
Our members have been leading reuse since 1880, long before circularity had a name. That history gives us the knowledge and credibility to lead Australia’s conversation on reuse.

Just the facts
price tag white with writing

Pricing

Every time you shop at your local Op Shop, you’re helping charities support families in need across your community.  

Items are priced based on quality, brand and condition, with an aim to keep everyday essentials affordable across our 3000 stores, while offering great value on designer and vintage finds. 

Your support helps fund vital community services such as food relief, housing assistance, crisis care and mental health outreach. 

Choosing to buy second hand is more than a smart choice, it’s a meaningful investment in sustainability, social impact, and a stronger local community. 

Check the Impact Pricing Data

Responsible Donation

Donating high-quality, pre-loved items that are clean, complete and in good working condition is appreciated by your local Op Shop. 

Avoid giving broken, stained, or unusable goods as these create extra costs for charities to dispose of. 

Leaving items outside of donation hours or at closed stores is considered illegal dumping and can prevent donations from being used.  

Responsible donations ensure your items can be resold to fund vital community programs by charity organisations. 

Donate Like a Pro
White truck and location symbol

Export

Charity op shops strive to sell as many donated items as possible to fund vital community services. However, not all donations are suitable for resale in Australia.  

Some unsalable donations, particularly clothing and textiles, are exported overseas through Charitable Reuse Australia’s accredited network with 94% of items reused or upcycled. 

This can help divert waste from landfill but reminds us why responsible donating is so important.  

By giving only clean, usable items in good condition, donors help ensure that their contributions truly benefit people in need. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

national reuse impact data study

National Reuse Data Study

We’re proud to release the National Reuse Impact Study, highlighting the powerful environmental, social and economic impact of the charitable reuse sector across Australia.

Each year, millions of items are kept in use, thousands of jobs are supported and vital resources are saved from landfill. The findings show just how important reuse is for our communities, economy and environment.

We’re inviting everyone to explore the findings and learn more about the impact of reuse.

Here is our official media release below.

National Reuse Dataset Media

World Op Shop Day

This year we’re celebrating the very first World Op Shop Day on October 18, a national day to honour the power of second-hand and the impact of charitable reuse across Australia.

Op shops play a vital role in supporting people doing it tough, reducing waste and building stronger, more sustainable communities.

We’re inviting everyone to shop with purpose, donate responsibly or volunteer, and be part of this once-in-a-generation reuse movement.

Here is our official media release below.

World Op Shop Day

Do you want to see Australia champion the circular economy and send zero waste to landfill?

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